Boot Camp eGPU Setup Guide – Windows Gaming with Macs

Boot Camp eGPU setup on a Mac can be plug-and-play for some and a total nightmare for others. The easiest Thunderbolt 3 Mac to pair with an eGPU is one that has Intel integrated graphics only such as the 13″ MacBook Pro and 2018 Mac mini. Mac computers with a discrete graphics card often require more resources and Windows isn’t always very compliant. Error 12 (lack of resources) or flickering/stuck Windows logo at boot are primary issues when connecting an eGPU in Boot Camp. Now that Apple officially supports external graphics cards in macOS (since 10.13.4), we’ve devoted more effort to set up and maintain a functional external GPU in Windows 10 via Boot Camp. In the past three years, our community has provided many different solutions [eGPU build guides]. This Boot Camp eGPU setup guide is a collection of those efforts.

Prior to setting up an external GPU, it’s a good idea to identify the routing of the PCIe connection over Thunderbolt 3 for your host Mac computer to learn about its capabilities. For example we used HWiNFO64 to check the arrangement of PCIe controllers and lane allocation on a Late 2016 15″ MacBook Pro (same as 2017 to 2019 model). The x16 PCI Express Controller connects to the Radeon Pro dGPU (uses 8 PCIe lanes). The x8 PCI Express Controller connects to the left-side USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports (uses 4 PCIe lanes). The x4 PCI Express Controller connects to the right-side USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports (uses 4 PCIe lanes). They account for 16 total PCIe lanes directly off the CPU.

The 13″ MacBook Pros have no direct Thunderbolt 3 to CPU connection because of the U-processor. All PCIe lanes are routed through the platform controller hub (PCH). Apple Thunderbolt 3 support article states that the right-side Thunderbolt 3 ports on the 2016 & 2017 13″ Touch Bar MacBook Pro have lower bandwidth than the left-side ports. This is due to the x2 PCI Express Root Port #9 – 9D18 to which these ports attach. 2018 & 2019 13″ models use Intel 8th generation quad-core U-processors that provides more PCIe lanes. Therefore the right-side Thunderbolt 3 ports on these newer 13″ MacBook Pros have full x4 PCIe bandwidth. The left-side Thunderbolt 3 ports (all model years) attach to x4 PCI Express Root Port #5 – 9D14. We captured the PCIe arrangement of the Thunderbolt 3 15″ MacBook Pro (shown on the left) and Thunderbolt 3 Touch Bar 13″ MacBook Pro (shown on the right) in HWiNFO64 and labeled them for reference.

The 2018 Mac mini is one of the very few desktop Macs without a discrete graphics card. This is great news for eGPU users, especially in Boot Camp mode. Also more encouraging is the 65W processor and direct Thunderbolt 3 to CPU connection. In a way the 2018 Mac mini combines the most desirable elements of a powerful quad-core+ processor with iGPU-only graphics. On top of that is a pair of Thunderbolt 3 controllers to power four Thunderbolt 3 ports. Similar to the TB3 15″ MacBook Pro, the x16 PCI Express Controller is reserved for the optional 10Gb Ethernet card (uses 8 PCIe lanes), the x8 PCI Express Controller connects to the two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports closest to Ethernet port (uses 4 PCIe lanes), and the x4 PCI Express Controller connects to the two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports closest to the HDMI port (uses 4 PCIe lanes).

With the exception of a few base 21″ models, the iMac lineup is perhaps the most complicated for eGPU use in Windows Boot Camp. Due to desktop-only use, Apple deemed there’s no need for multiple GPU configuration like the 15″ MacBook Pro. Thus they disabled the Intel iGPU in the iMac firmware (Radeon dGPU models). AMD XConnect and Nvidia Optimus are not available for these iMacs so our options are limited to either running the eGPU with an external monitor or Windows 10 1803+ (manual graphics switching) for internal display loopback. One positive news is the full bandwidth four PCIe lanes directly attached to CPU for Thunderbolt 3 connection.

The name of the game is to allocate enough resources for the external graphics card to function in Windows 10 while not severely crippling other functionalities of the laptop. Other than the Late 2016 Thunderbolt 3 Macs, 2017 and newer models have “Large Memory” allocation in the firmware. Large Memory allocation helps Windows handle a PCIe component such as an external graphics card without error 12. Through many different user build guides, we have gathered not only setup procedures but also pre-compiled DSDT override files for those who need to patch the firmware of Late 2016 MacBook Pros.

Mac computers with only two Thunderbolt 3 ports would likely be able to negotiate enough resources for eGPU automagically. If error 12 arises, disabling the connection to the iSight camera would usually resolve it. Macs with four Thunderbolt 3 ports are slightly harder for eGPU implementation due to an extra Thunderbolt 3 controller and two more Thunderbolt 3 ports. It’s best to confirm whether the Mac firmware has “Large Memory” in Device Manager > View > Devices by resources to determine the next steps.

Here are the recommended steps to set up an external GPU with a Thunderbolt 3 Mac and the reasons behind them. If you’re familiar with using an external graphics card in Windows 10 via Boot Camp, proceed to the summarized setup procedure.

Step 1: Install DDU & Restore Point

As of summer 2019, the best version of Windows 10 to use with an eGPU is 1903. Microsoft has improved hot-plug detection and handling of Thunderbolt 3 devices in this version. Mac computers greatly benefit from these changes in Win10 1903. With the exception of a few models such as 2017 13″ MacBook Pro (boot loop when paired with Radeon eGPU), most Macs work well with this latest Windows version. If you experience issues, go with Win10 1809. Also keep in mind Security Updates may break eGPU compatibility. Windows 10 1903 [OS Build 18362.329] for example causes most Macs to experience error 12 with an AMD eGPU. It’s best to disable automatic updates once you get a working configuration.

There are setup guides to install Windows on an external hard drive so that the internal PCIe flash storage can be preserved solely for macOS partition. We don’t recommend having the Windows volume on an external drive because it would complicate the eGPU setup process and may cause unforeseeable maintenance issues. If your MacBook Pro has a limited amount of storage, partition the Boot Camp volume with 50GB for Windows installation and save the rest for the macOS partition. You can then install all software and games on an external hard drive.

Windows 10 can detect new graphics cards and install the drivers automatically. However the drivers are not up-to-date and sometimes interfere with setting up an external GPU. We recommend using DDU to uninstall the Radeon Pro drivers that came with Apple Boot Camp drivers (part of Boot Camp Assistant in macOS). DDU can also disable Windows automated graphics drivers installation so that you have full control of which drivers version to use. If you have a Mac with Radeon dGPU and plan on using a Radeon eGPU, the modified drivers from bootcampdrivers.com is the best approach to use both dGPU and eGPU concurrently.

Keep in mind Apple itself has not provided support for external GPU in Boot Camp. Therefore the following steps to set up an external graphics card with your MacBook Pro can possibly cause bootup issues. We highly suggest the use of the Windows System Protection feature. You can create manual Restore Points that capture snapshots of Windows in order to revert changes should you run into trouble.

Step 2: Use EFI boot loader

When booting into an operating system that is not Mac OS, the Mac firmware tends to deactivate the internal GPU if there’s another GPU present. For example, the 15″ MacBook Pro boots into Boot Camp with only the Radeon Pro dGPU activated. Only having an Intel iGPU, the 13″ MacBook Pro sometimes hangs at the Windows bootup process if an eGPU is connected. Similarly the Radeon dGPU in MacBook Pro or iMac would be deactivated as well when there’s a connected eGPU at boot. Obvious symptoms is a stuck Windows logo during boot that flickers. If you have an external monitor connected, you may be able to see Windows Desktop on it (given proper drivers for eGPU was installed). To remedy this hurdle we rely on apple_set_os.efi to trick the Mac into believing it’s booting into macOS. This boot loader file can be stored on either a USB drive or in the ESP partition of the Mac’s internal drive through the use of rEFInd boot manager.

We strongly recommend using Goalque‘s automate-eGPU EFI, a boot loader that conveniently integrates apple_set_os.efi file. He provided clear instructions on creating a USB thumb drive so that the internal drive stays intact. It’s possible to create a small FAT partition on the internal drive as well if you prefer not to attached an external drive for the boot loader. rEFInd is another alternative for the need to use an external USB drive. Once the iGPU is active in Windows, we want to make sure it has the latest Intel graphics drivers. If the iGPU shows up in Device Manager as “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter,” you may need to install the Intel graphics drivers manually.

In the 2016 and 2017 15″ MacBook Pro, we want to attach the iGPU to the internal display so that we can use eGPU internal display acceleration and disable the dGPU if needed. This is where 0xbb’s integrated.bat comes in. The purpose of 0xbb’s GPU-switch script is to assign a particular GPU to the internal display at the next boot. We want to run integrated.bat in Command with Administrative privilege to execute iGPU attachment to the internal display. Upon the next and subsequent restarts, Windows will use the iGPU to power the Mac internal display. Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 may be required to run this script successfully.

Warning: One important thing to keep in mind is that you have to re-enable PCIe Controller x16 – 1901 in Device Manager (if it’s disabled) then re-attach the dGPU to the internal display by running dedicated.bat prior to booting back into macOS. Otherwise the next Windows boot will hang due to macOS force-attaching the dGPU onto the internal display. This is another reason why we recommend creating manual restore points in Windows. In the event Windows fails to boot, you can go back to a safe point without redoing the entire setup process.

Step 3: Solve error 12

The last and most challenging step is to overcome error 12 (not enough resources for eGPU). This almost always happens on a Mac with dGPU paired to an AMD Radeon eGPU. There are several methods to resolve error 12. This is also called “yellow-banged,” as visually identifiable in Device Manager by the yellow triangle and black exclamation. A reasonable workaround is to disable PCIe controllers/bridges to free up enough resources so that Windows can handle hosting an external GPU. The PCIe arrangement is different for each Mac but the approach is similar. We start with the PCIe component with the least usage.

In the 13″ non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro, disabling the iSight camera PCIe bridge does the trick. The 13″ Touch Bar is slightly different in that it has one more Thunderbolt 3 controller to handle the two additional Thunderbolt 3 ports on the right side. Some have success by disabling the PCI Express Root Port #9 – 9D18 that connects to the right Thunderbolt 3 ports and using the lower left Thunderbolt 3 port [closest to the TAB key] for eGPU.

The 15″ MacBook Pro is rather challenging to allocate resources for the external graphics card. By disabling the x16 PCIe controller – 1901 to the discrete Radeon Pro GPU, we found Windows likely has enough resources for an external GPU. For us this method has worked with GTX 980 Ti, GTX 1070, and GTX 1080 eGPU. From eGPU.io members’ experience, Windows has a harder time with AMD cards. When we tried the RX 580 and RX Vega 56 eGPU, we needed to also disable the PCI Express x8 Controller – 1905 that connects to the left Thunderbolt 3 ports. External GPU works reliably using the right-side ports that connect to the PCI Express x4 Controller – 1909.

For late-2016 Macbook Pros, Nando‘s DSDT Override via registry works well, but the required Windows Test Mode prevents some some games and software working. The workaround Clover DSDT override method has some risks but can provide a simple final solution. Adventurous users may consider this. For mid-2017 15″ Macbook Pros consider using a PCIe relocation script from here to solve error 12.

Boot Camp eGPU Setup Procedure

Here are all the steps from start to finish to get an external graphics card running on a Thunderbolt 3 15″ MacBook Pro. Do not connect the external GPU to the Mac laptop until instructed to do so. Download the linked resources at each step.

There are reports of hot-plug possibilities. However, we’ve found it’s not reliable and can crash Windows. Furthermore it may cause corruption in the bootup process. We’ve made a habit of always creating a manual restore point following a change. You never know when Windows will decide it can’t boot into the Desktop anymore. Having these restore points labeled for each step allows you to go back to a particular stage should something happen.

Closing Thoughts

Apple can facilitate external GPU support in Boot Camp by optimizing its firmware. We’re uncertain how many engineers are working on external graphics support for High Sierra. Boot Camp eGPU is likely low on the list of priorities, if on the list at all. We’ve opened a thread to petition for support of eGPU in Boot Camp. Please voice your opinions so that Apple will hopefully focus more attention on Boot Camp Mac users.

We’re all learners as we venture into the territory of eGPU Boot Camp environment. If you know of a better procedure to setup and use external GPU in Boot Camp with a Mac, please share your experience with the community.

Update

Apple has made some firmware improvements in 2017 and newer Macs. Windows 10 now shows “Large Memory” under Device Manager » View » Resources by connection. This means some 2017+ Macs may be able to use Nvidia eGPU without encountering error 12, no workaround needed. AMD eGPU typically requires more resources and error 12 is still an obstacle.

Leave a Reply

Great write up as always @theITSage – a very useful summary!
I appear to be one of the fortunate few who’s MBP-2017 benefits from the later, enhanced F/Ware. I have had no issues with Code 12 and my Device Manager does indeed display the noted ‘Large Memory’ allocation to the PCI bus; which is a relief!
Hypernurd

Posted by: itsage
Update
Apple has made some firmware improvements in the mid-2017 MacBook Pro. Windows 10 now shows “Large Memory” under Device Manager » View » Device by resource. This means some Mid 2017 MacBook Pros may be able to use eGPU without encountering error 12, no workaround needed.

Man I was so happy I could use my eGPU on mid-2017 MBP without many issues. Now I’m just waiting for the High Sierra Nvidia drivers and we have a perfect setup.

@Wunair, also keep in mind AMD eGPUs seem to require more resources than Nvidia eGPU. If you’re currently using an Nvidia eGPU, disabling x16 PCI Express Controller – 1901 [connects to Radeon Pro dGPU] would free up enough resources to resolve error 12. This way you can use TB3 ports on both sides.

So I believe I am about there, but when i log into windows (without egpu connected) the desktop displays, then flashes black, and then back to the desktop again. It appears that it’s attempting to switch from the igpu to the dgpu. I installed rEFInd, copied apple_set_os.efi over to the boot partition. Select it, then go over to windows and tell it to boot. I disabled the x8 1905 pcie bit, installed the intel video drivers, and ran the integrated.bat file. Ideally windows would be functional sans egpu if needed, and then with egpu for gaming if desired and… Read more »

I have already installed refind and copied the .efi file. However, when I boot into Windows, I can see two Microsoft basic adapter things. But when I tried to install the Intel graphics driver, it always said that my system is below the minimum requirement. How can I fix this?

@itsage
Hello ,can u help me with gtx 1070 founders edition (6+2pin), Akitio Node , W10 boot camp 1903, MacBook Pro 13 2018 touch bar. When I hot-plug 1070 – nothing happens. No any new devices in manager. Card is good n working in desktop. But when I change 1070 to GT8600 (without additional power supply) then MBP is slows down for 2-3sec n after that I see a new video adapter in device manager, n I can install Nvidia drivers 4 it (when I plug 1070 again – nothing happens)

@just-be-freeman Download and run DDU to remove Nvidia graphics drivers. This process also disassociate detected eGPU from the Thunderbolt 3 PCIe connection too. You can then hot-plug GTX 1070 eGPU in Windows Desktop. The detection process can take several minutes. A clue when the system tries to initiate the Thunderbolt 3 component is Windows freeze up and WiFi and Audio icons become disabled. Once the trackpad and keyboard work again you can install latest Nvidia graphics drivers.

@just-be-freeman You can try automate-eGPU EFI then. With certain Macs, Thunderbolt 3 device detection is better when it’s connected prior to boot. A consequence with having an eGPU at boot is the deactivation of Intel iGPU which leads to stuck Windows logo on internal display. Using automate-eGPU EFI helps keeping the iGPU activated.

Hi there, I got a macbook pro retina which is MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015), it only got the Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB and only comes with the thunderbolt 2. I was wondering if this guide can work on my computer since your mentioned “This explains the ease of eGPU implementation on iGPU-only hosts while dGPU + iGPU hosts such as the Thunderbolt 3 15″ MacBook Pro is harder to accomplish.” But since I know nothing about the “PCIe connection with thunderbolt” issue, which makes me really uncertain about purchasing a e-GPU set up … So, can you… Read more »

I have an LG 5k Ultrafine display which needs to be connected via Thunderbolt 3. I wish to use this display as an external display, and don’t want to use my internal 15″ display on my Macbook pro. In order to have the eGPU drive the 5k display via thunderbolt 3 (connected to my macbook) would i disable the 1901 PCIe port? Or would I disable 1905? Or is it considered an external display even though it’s connected via thunderbolt 3 and thus I don’t have to do either?

Not sure if it was you who messaged me (it appears to have vanished – this forum’s software is buggy as hell IMO) but I’m afraid my experience isn’t transferable. I use the 13inch model and dont need to disable anything. The LG 5K gets treated like an internal screen by the eGPU and comes with the same sort of performance loss.

Posted by: Eightarmedpet Not sure if it was you who messaged me (it appears to have vanished – this forum’s software is buggy as hell IMO) but I’m afraid my experience isn’t transferable. I use the 13inch model and dont need to disable anything. The LG 5K gets treated like an internal screen by the eGPU and comes with the same sort of performance loss. Gotcha. So in terms of setting up the eGPU, I need to set it up as if I don’t even have this 5k monitor because it’s being recognized as an internal display, correct? Futhermore, have… Read more »

Got my 1080ti in today and went about installing the card. Everything went buttery smooth. Still working out how to get it correctly working with my LG 5k monitor, but I have no errors, and the system recognize the 1080ti just fine.

@itsage, I’ve just received my 1080 Ti, installed into a Mantiz Venus, connected via TB3 to 2016 15″ MBP with R460, connected the card to an external monitor, followed the guide fully on macos H.S. & win 10, iGPU is working as expected, disabled both PCIe 16x 1901 and PCIe 8x 1905, and using the right side TB3. still the 1080 Ti shows error 12 in device manager whatever I do, I restarted win many times, and in every time I’m activating the apple_set_os.efi and boot windows from rEFInd, then disable / enable both PCIe again, but with no luck!!!… Read more »

Great write-up – which I am trying to follow. I am on High Sierra 10.13.1 Beta – 2017 13-inch i7 MBP no touchbar. No problem in Windows 10 anniversary with GTX 1080, Akitio Node,- but when I tried to use an RX 580 in Windows (worked great with High Sierra) -problems problems problems. Easily detected the AMD card in the Node…but – Error 12. I tried to disable and re-enable the RX580, the the camera, the thunderbolt ports and used refind with apple_set_os.efi, then after updating the intel and Radeon drivers (still have error 12) – I now have a… Read more »

Since this is a new laptop (purchased 18 days ago) and I have not made it my working one yet and I was online with apple support late into the night we did some pretty extreme things- wiped the SSD completely, reset the NVRAM and reset the SMC several times. We then went back and through the internet clean installed Sierra-no bootcamp and still the flickering windows logo remains in the center of the screen. It’s been there since shutdown after the Windows 10 Intel GPU driver update. Does not effect external screens through thunderbolt hdmi adapters – only the… Read more »

Update on persistent windows logo- solved. After reinstallation of the bootcamp drivers in windows and a reboot it vanished. I imagine it was the intel driver software in bootcamp. It reappeared and was persistent again after I left the computer on overnight Friday night and it went to sleep. Was able to clear it with reinstallation of the bootcamp software and a reboot after NVRAM and SMC reset during which it “faded”. Next time I will just reinstall bootcamp driver software. One odd feature of the persistent logo and flicker – it seems to slowly “fade”. I have done a… Read more »

I’ve tried this twice now and, each time I disable the x16 PCIe controller – 1901 to the discrete Radeon Pro GPU, Windows locks up, cannot be restarted, and has to be wiped and reinstalled. I’m on a one day old 2017 MBP w/ Touch Bar and the bigger 560 dGPU. Any suggestions??? I would LOVE to be able to use the eGPU in Boot Camp

@Humanovation, Windows crashed because the dGPU was still powering the internal display. Make sure you run integrated.bat with Administrative privilege and restart into Windows so that the iGPU is powering the internal display.

Thanks so much itsage! I ‘ll give that a try. However, first, I’m going to buy Winclone and clone my bootcamp partition so that I don’t have to reinstall Windows from scratch every time I screw something up ;-). Will let you know how the integrated.bat file works.

Hi itsage. Thank you for posting this I always follow your posts on macrumors.

Im having trouble with my 15” 2018 MacBook Pro. I can follow every step of your guide but once I use integrated.bat to switch to the iGPU and restart the computer the screen it will show artifacts and flicker and finally go black even if you restore the system. So I don’t know what to do next. I’m trying to use a Razer Core X with an GTX 1080Ti on my MBP internal display. I use rEFind to boot with the iGPU. Thank you!

Yay!!!!!!! It’s working … finally! Running the Heaven benchmark (Boot Camp – Windows) util and getting 90-110 FPS at High quality 1080p. That is about 20% better than I was getting running it in OS X. Going to attach my HTC Vive and see if I can get SteamVR (Windows version) running 😉

Slight issue with Vive VR … headset needs to be run on the same graphics card as the SteamVR program (which right now is being run on the iGPU). Will try to fix by going from eGPU out to monitor via DisplayPort and to Vive Headset via HDMI, thus running them both on the same graphics card … had to order the right cable from Amazon so will report back in two days 😉

@Humanovation : How did you end up getting past this issue with the Vive? “headset needs to be run on the same graphics card as the SteamVR program” What, if any additional hardware did you have to use? I have: 15″ Mid-2017 MacBook Pro, Sonnet Breakaway Box, AMD RX 580, Windows 10 on removed link It seems that SteamVR content without laptop display mirroring works great, but SteamVR content that mirrors the HMD on the laptop display requires the USB and HDMI HMD to be connected to the same graphics removed link Is this the same problem you encountered and… Read more »

– I got a DP to HDMI cable and connected that from the RX 580 to my TV. – I set the TV up to extend my laptop’s display rather than mirror it, and then set the TV as the main display in Settings>Displays. – Plugged the Vive headset into the HDMI out on the RX 580 – Open SteamVR and/or any associated programs so that they open on the TV and not on my MBP display. That’s it … you are using the RX 580 to drive both your TV and the Vive headset while the iGPU continues to… Read more »

Hey, I wanted to thank you for the guide. As I, like many used it to make my 15″ MBP w/TB and Radeon 450 work with my GTX 1080 TI in the Mantiz Venus. Long story short I was having 2 issues: first one, whenever I chain loaded apple_set_os.efi first, Windows 10 would crash and reboot. After consulting with Mantiz John and Nando4, I think the cause of this for me was that I was enrolled and using a windows insiders preview version. After going with 1703 version of windows and opting out of windows insider previews, I was able… Read more »

Hi guys! Finally i see some results!!! My configuration – Macbook pro 2016 with radeon pro 460 4gb, Akitio node tb3, nvidia gtx 1080Ti via bootcamp. I did everything according to guide, but i have 1 issue and 1 question! ISSUE – gtx1080ti is visible, but works only with external monitor.. any benchmarks do not want even start on internal monitor like on your video. And geforce menu says there is no monitor connected to graphics card. I did everything in 5AM so there is a chance that I miss something, but what? )) QUESTION – if I wannt just… Read more »

I’ll try to make this as clear as possible to understand because even I am slightly confused what is happening. So firstly I got my Aorus Gaming Box and set everything up as above and it worked great! But then I became stuck in a boot-loop and the manual restore points I made wouldn’t show so I just ended up clean installing windows on my 2017 15″ MBP. Here is where my problem lies when I open device manager on windows (not running on integrated) the integrated card doesn’t show what so ever, not even as microsoft basic display driver.… Read more »

Temporarily I can fix it by uninstalling the internal intel driver with DDU then Manually installing the intel driver again. This fixes the flashing but after playing a game or any graphics intensive task the driver crashes and the flashing beings again until you reinstall the driver ect… But this is not a great fix as it always crashes mid game and when in a competitive game it takes 5 min to get back up again. My ‘current’ solution is to save a GIF on the desktop and just run it in the background, this solution is not a fix but… Read more »

In case anyone still has this problem. I use macbook pro 15 mid 2017. In the intel energie options just turn of all energy saving stuff. Important because i had the same problem. I had to do it for battery and non battery options to make it work. Don’t know why.

Should this article update with new windows update?
I have Macbook Pro 2016 with Mantiz Venus + Aorus RX 580 8GB, after install Windows 1709, just need to disable PCIe 1905 and the setup work perfect.
Windows now work with or without eGPU, just simple boot, when I want to use eGPU, just plugged in the cable and restart the windows. Also there is no error or additional step when switch from Mac to Win or Win to Mac.
Thanks 1709 Windows update 😀
p/s: I am install windows 1709 directly from Bootcamp

Thank you for your guideline. It works on my laptop, my laptop is mid-2015 15” macbook pro with amd m370x gpu, and i use aorus gaming box 1070, connect with TM3 to TM2 adapter. But still have some problem on windows and os x. when i connect egpu on windows, the light of box doesn’t work, other function all work in windows. I don’t know how to use internal display on macbook. This all the problems i meet.

MBP Mid 2017 + Akitio Node Thunderbolt 3 + GTX970 + Bootcamp/Windows 10 Setup Hello, I have managed to get my setup working in High Sierra. However, I have encountered some issues trying to implement this setup using Bootcamp/Windows. I believe I have followed all instructions correctly from the guide below. https://egpu.io/bootcamp-setup-guide-tb3-macbook-pro/# When I first removed the intel drivers (from DDU) and plugged in the Node Windows recognized my GTX970. However, when it asked me to reboot I started encountering screen flickering/tearing issues and eventually crashes completely (I tried plugging in from reboot and plugging in after windows boots to desktop,… Read more »

My experience with Bootcamp has been a bit different to others but it sounds like you might be experiencing the same thing I did originally.
For Bootcamp all I needed/need to do is hot plug- plugging the eGPU in after selecting the OS to boot from in the boot options menu you get when booting while holding down “option”.
Plugging in before or after boot caused crashes for me. Set up in signature.

Wow thanks Eightarmedpet, it just managed to boot using your method. Any understanding why this is the case? :/
Edit: Stopped functioning again (Although now I can get the GTX970 to consistently show up in device manager). I believing I’m receiving the dreaded code 12 error. Also, Bluetooth and USB devices don’t seem to work at all when connected to the 970.

Yeah makes sense 😛 I don’t know if anybody else has experienced it but the Wifi adapter also seems a bit dodgy when plugged into GPU (Almost disabling itself periodically). My plan to get around this is to try using an external USB wifi adapter.

HI!
May I ask is it that I “must” disable dGPU and activate iGPU to get near full benefit of my gaming box 1080??
currently I did not disable any port yet on my macbook pro 2016 15″ pro 460, But mine gaming box is working both under MAC(10.12.6) and Bootcamp(win10) and both with external monitor.
but I use Unigine Valley for benchmark on ultra, and get a only near 1070 gaming box score, 3477.
less than a youtuber testing 1070 gaming box (he got 3570, though not with macbook pro).
and 2832 on MACOS.

Posted by: MagicPi HI! May I ask is it that I “must” disable dGPU and activate iGPU to get near full benefit of my gaming box 1080?? currently I did not disable any port yet on my macbook pro 2016 15″ pro 460, But mine gaming box is working both under MAC(10.12.6) and Bootcamp(win10) and both with external monitor. but I use Unigine Valley for benchmark on ultra, and get a only near 1070 gaming box score, 3477. less than a youtuber testing 1070 gaming box (he got 3570, though not with macbook pro). and 2832 on MACOS. Are you… Read more »

@MagicPi enjoy your eGPU and stop worrying about matching someone else benchmark numbers. The Thunderbolt 3 15″ MacBook Pro is currently one of the best eGPU hosts. Paired with a GTX 1080 eGPU powering an external monitor, you can definitely get better performance than 1070 eGPU and 1070 dGPU most of the time.

OK thanks 🙂 I did enjoy the performance , now running Overwatch in second high settings with some setting to low (ex. fog) and can get about 140~180 fps @2K (with dGPU Pro 460 and connect to the monitor, I have to set every thing to the lowest except something which is more CPU side. and still just Got 120~160fps @2K with “50% rendering” use 2K at least to get better display on the text) and finally got my G-sync monitor powered up now! So YES! I’m really happy with it, and thanks for all the support I’ve got here.… Read more »

One more thing..
I just noticed that it only charge my mac under MACOS with 60W.
Not sure how to check it under windows so can not verify if it is a MacOS thing.
though.. with the eGPU,
the load of dGPU will be very low,
so 60W? not too big a deal.

＝＝＝＝＝＝
after several reboot and unplug for a while it get back to 100W charging under mac again
but still try to figure it out

HI
I just notice….
from tech support with my screen shots
My bootcamp is able to use the 1080 in gaming box now,
but the “Gigabyte graphics engine” app is not detecting the BOX itself..
I think my bootcamp just recognized the card and the ports.
so no OC or LED control.

Hate to hijack the thread, but is there any way to get things running WITHOUT apple_set_os.efi or using something like rEFInd or Clover? (I’ve a late-2016 15″ rMBP)
I cannot use anything that changes things at the firmware level for security reasons.
My desired setup is simple – eGPU driving the external display and that’s it. I’ve zero use for the internal display.

Yes. You can can do your desired setup (which is also mine). I’ve done that with macbook PRO 15″ late 2016 and Aorus Gamming Box GTX 1070. I’ve found that it is pretty easy: After installing Windows 10 via bootcamp assist, go directly to steps 3 and 4. After that you are good to go. At least until apple decide to support mac ePGU on bootcamp, I preffer this option because it does not disable your macbook discreet GPU. So, you do not have to rely on the crappy intel graphics when the eGPU is not connected. By the way,… Read more »

Hello, I am new to this website and need a little help. I have a mid-2017 15 Macbook pro and the Sonnet Breakaway Box and a 580. I have 2 questions if you could help. Do you need an external monitor to run the eGPU on Windows/Mac? and when I try and run it on MAC OS the graphics are showing up in my system info, but I’m not sure how to select it as my default graphics? Thanks

I don’t fully understand the impact of uninstalling the default AMD drivers. I am soon going to be setting up a Mantiz Venus with a 2017 15″ “Large Memory” Macbook Pro. Is it still recommended for me to uninstall them?

It appears that I am unable to find PCIe Controller x16 – 1901 in Device Manager to disable to dGPU. I have a 13-inch MacBook Pro 2017 with no top Touch Bar. . I just got it yesterday fresh from the Apple Store.

I could be mistaken, but I thought that disabling the PCIe Controller 1901 only applied to the 15″, as that is the bridge to the dedicated graphics card, which the 13″ model does not have. You may want to disable the connections to other devices, like the iSight camera or right-side Thunderbolt ports.

I don’t fully understand the impact of uninstalling the default AMD drivers. I am soon going to be setting up a Mantiz Venus with a 2017 15″ “Large Memory” Macbook Pro. Is it still recommended for me to uninstall them?

Hi there! SO I am succesfully running an egpu and driving my intel graphics at the same time. But I just ran into an issue. I unplugged one of my thunderbolt 3 hubs on accident one day and now my internal macbook pro display sticks on the windows logo. My system recognizes the display is there but I cant display anything on it. Anyway to fix this?

Posted by: Caleb Rasak Hi there! SO I am succesfully running an egpu and driving my intel graphics at the same time. But I just ran into an issue. I unplugged one of my thunderbolt 3 hubs on accident one day and now my internal macbook pro display sticks on the windows logo. My system recognizes the display is there but I cant display anything on it. Anyway to fix this? @caleb_rasak does this happen when you have eGPU attached and connected to an external monitor? You can force shut down a couple of times for Windows to go into… Read more »

Man am I unlucky. So I was on the rEFInd boot screen, but I wanted to go take a shower so I leave the computer on and leave. I come back and now I have a really annoying Windows 10 logo flickering on my screen. I turn off the eGPU but it still flickers, and it flickers on my OSX side, so now I have a windows logo flickering on both Windows and OSX. My eGPU has been working like a charm before this. It’s the windows logo when you boot up Windows 10 and the little circle loads, you… Read more »

Thanks for the set up guide ! It works perfectly with the eGFX Breakway 350 and a GTX 1070ti. I have just some suggestions. Is’it possible to add more details on boot procedure for each model ( 13″ and 15″ ) and for each if we want to use an external display ( for a higher H2D with Nvidia GPUs, boot without set_apple_os.efi ) or use the internal display ( need to run integrated.bat for a 15″ and not needed for a 13″ ). After a child calcul it’s just 4 case to describe it and i think it may… Read more »

I have a mid-2017 13″ Macbook Pro with Touchbar. I bought a Power Color (Tul) Devilbox to use to BIOS mod each of the AMD GPU’s in my mining rigs. I was pissed when booting it into Win10 Creators Update and it would hang at the Windows logo with artifacts everywhere. I found this tutorial, and having previously used rEFInd to triple boot another Macbook Pro, I found it pretty easy to follow, and the apple_set_os.efi at least allowed me to boot my system up while having the GPU attached to it by using the . I can also confirm… Read more »